Area Development News Desk

12/30/2013

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Horsehead Corporation extended its land-option agreement with Shell Chemical to build an ethane cracker plant in Beaver County near Monaca, Pennsylvania. Shell recently narrowed its list of proposed new plant sites and has contracted to begin demolishing select buildings at the Pennsylvania site early next year.

“Pennsylvania’s world class energy industry, our skilled and productive workforce and our ideal location are attracting companies like Shell to invest in our commonwealth and create thousands of family-sustaining jobs,” Gov. Tom Corbett said. “Today’s announcement is another positive indication for Shell’s proposed plant in Beaver County and I am committed to working in a bipartisan way to keep this multi-billion dollar project moving forward.”

Last month, Shell narrowed its short list of major capital projects in North America. In August, Shell announced it has secured ethane commitments and is seeking additional ethane suppliers to feed the proposed facility. Securing ethane supply is one of the key components of Shell’s ongoing site evaluation process, the Governor’s Office said.

“Just six years ago, Pennsylvania imported 75 percent of our natural gas needs. Today, we are competing with the Gulf Coast, a long established energy hub, for major energy capital projects,” Corbett added. “New manufacturers are arriving and building plants and companies with deep histories in the field are expanding and branching out to the energy supply chain. The potential for growth is endless and we are making Pennsylvania a key player in the conversation.”